A nationwide commemorative assembly marking the 150th anniversary of the April Uprising of 1876 was held at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, under the patronage of Vice President Iliana Yotova.
Earlier in the day, a memorial service for the heroes who gave their lives for Bulgaria’s freedom was held at the Patriarchal Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky. The service was led by Bulgarian Patriarch Daniil, concelebrated by Bishop Gerasim of Melnik, Bishop Ioan of Branitsa, and clergy from the capital. Among those attending were Vice President Yotova, Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov, members of the academic community, politicians, and public figures.
In his remarks before the service, Patriarch Daniil emphasized that the Church continually honors those who sacrificed their lives for faith and country, offering prayers for their repose at every liturgy. He noted that the self-sacrifice of the uprising’s martyrs helped awaken international awareness and moved both global powers and divine mercy toward the Bulgarian people.
“May the prayers of the holy martyrs of the April Uprising help us remain steadfast in our Orthodox faith, which teaches courage, honesty, and sacrificial love for others,” the Patriarch said, concluding with a blessing for the nation.
Following the service, a procession led participants to the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, where the official assembly took place. The event was opened by BAS President Evelina Slavcheva, with addresses delivered by Patriarch Daniil, Sofia University Rector Prof. Georgi Valchev, and Vice President Yotova.
In his speech, the Patriarch highlighted that the April Uprising demonstrated the active role of the Bulgarian people in shaping their history, rejecting the idea of passive destiny. He stressed that faith calls for cooperation between human freedom and divine providence in the pursuit of salvation and national renewal.
The gathering also featured an academic lecture by Prof. Ivan Ilchev, titled “The Uprising That Returned Bulgaria to the Map of Europe.” The event was part of a broader national initiative, including a commemorative program organized to honor the anniversary of one of Bulgaria’s most significant historical milestones.
Source: Patriarchate of Bulgaria/ Text, photos,videos: Ангел Карадаков
